Team Ontario Athletes Receive 2023 Hazel Miner and James Rose Awards Presented by Dairy Farmers of Ontario
Ontario Basketball Association (OBA) in partnership with Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) are excited to congratulate the two Team Ontario athletes who received the 2023 Hazel Miner and James Rose Awards for their athletic performance in the 2023 Canada Basketball National Championships.
“The unwavering support and dedication from Dairy Farmers of Ontario has been instrumental in making dreams come true through the James Rose and Hazel Miner Award programs. Partnerships like this that show commitment to education and self-improvement is not just appreciated; it’s life-changing. We thank Dairy Farmers of Ontario for the impact they have on the future of basketball in Ontario and we’re excited to share this award with Kaylen and Paul,” said Mike Barbin, Interim Executive Director of Ontario Basketball.
The winners are each awarded a $5,000 bursary, which can be applied to their post-secondary education, ongoing pursuit in basketball or personal development workshops in Ontario. The bursaries, funded through a partnership with DFO, enable OBA to recognize these athletes for their achievements both on and off the court.
“Congratulations to the award winners for their outstanding athletic performance on the court that helped lead their teams to national championships,” said Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer at DFO. “Through MilkUP, DFO’s youth lifestyle brand, we are proud to partner with Ontario Basketball for the Hazel Miner and James Rose Awards to recognize talented athletes who demonstrate MilkUP’s values: perseverance, originality and heart.”
The Hazel Miner Award recognizes one player from the Team Ontario U15 girls’ team who maintains the finest qualities of sport in their pursuit of athletic excellence. This year the award winner is Kaylen Sta. Maria from the Team Ontario U15 girls.
Kaylen averaged nine points, three assists and three rebounds per game as the captain of Team Ontario in what would end in a bronze medal in the 2023 U15 Girl’s National Championship.
“This award means a lot to me and my family. Being a part of an exclusive group of athletes who have won this award in the past is an honour and makes me want to represent Ontario to the best of my ability both on and off the court,” said Kaylen Sta. Maria.
The James Rose Award recognizes one athlete from the U15 boys’ team who upholds the finest qualities of sport in their pursuit of excellence. The winner of the award from the U15 team is Paul Osaruyi.
Paul averaged 12 points, eight rebounds and per game earning him the MVP award and selection to the All-Star Team. Paul, with the support of his teammates, went on to help Team Ontario earn gold at Nationals in 2023.
“I’m very grateful for this award. I look forward to being able to use the money towards coaching the younger generation. I really enjoy coaching the younger kids and I plan to rent out a gym and host a clinic or a workout for kids from my community,” said Paul Osaruyi.
2023 Hazel Miner Award Winner, Kaylen Sta. Maria sit-down interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3T-X8O-hSQ
2023 James Rose Award Winner, Paul Osaruyi sit-down interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2z8fQnzne8
The recipients join a long list of Team Ontario standouts who have won the Hazel Miner and James Rose Awards, including Kia Nurse, Bridget Carleton, Cory Joseph and Andrew Nembhard.
About OBA:
Ontario Basketball (OBA) is the governing body for basketball in the province. A member of Canada Basketball, the national governing body for basketball, OBA is the largest provincial basketball organization in the country. OBA oversees basketball development in the province through the provision of programs and services aimed at meeting the needs of the evolving provincial, national and global basketball landscape.
About Dairy Farmers of Ontario:
Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) is the marketing board for the largest sector of Ontario agriculture. Our mission is to provide leadership and excellence in the production and marketing of Canadian milk for a dynamic, profitable growing dairy industry. Ontario’s 3,273 dairy farmers, their families and employees are proud to produce high-quality milk for Canadians. For more information, visit www.milk.org.
About MilkUP:
MilkUP is Dairy Farmers of Ontario’s bold and dynamic Gen Z lifestyle brand. Whether through academics, sports or entertainment, MilkUP is there encouraging Gen Zs to ‘milk every moment’. Our brand motivates Ontario youth using authentic experiences that inspire them to realize their untapped potential and re-embrace milk as a lifestyle staple. Learn more about MilkUP initiatives at new.milk.org/MilkUP.
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Media Contacts:
Anthony Bennett, Manager, Marketing and Communications OBA,
abennett@basketball.on.ca
Charzie Abendanio, External Communications Manager, DFO
media@milk.org